Ann,
The issue of composting vs. adding directly to the soil is an
interesting one and there is at least one article that discusses some of
the chemical differences (Chromec, FW, and FR Magdoff. 1984. Alternative
methods for using organic materials: Composting vs. adding directly to
soil. J. Environ. Sci. and Health 19:697-711). However, it is an area
that could use some more work.
FRED
Fred Magdoff
tel:802-656-0472
fax:802-656-4656